Cohesion Strategies: Transitional Words and Phrases

Cohesion Strategies: Transitional Words and Phrases

Here we'll consider how transitional words and phrases can help make our writing clear and cohesive. A key quality of an effective paragraph is unity. A unified paragraph sticks to one topic from start to finish, with every sentence contributing to the central purpose and main idea of that paragraph. But a strong paragraph is more than just a collection of loose sentences. Those sentences need to be clearly connected so that readers can follow along, recognizing how one detail leads to the next. A paragraph with clearly connected sentences is said to be cohesive. The following paragraph is unified and cohesive. Notice how the italicized words and phrases (called transitions) guide us along, helping us see how one detail leads to the next.

Why I Don't Make My Bed Ever since I moved into my own apartment last fall, I have gotten out of the habit of making my bed-except on Fridays, of course, when I change the sheets. Although some people may think that I am a slob, I have some sound reasons for breaking the bed-making habit. In the first place, I am not concerned about maintaining a tidy bedroom because no one except me ever ventures in there. If there is ever a fire inspection or a surprise date, I suppose I can dash in there to fluff up the pillow and slap on a spread. Otherwise, I am not bothered. In addition, I find nothing uncomfortable about crawling into a rumpled mass of sheets and blankets. On the contrary, I enjoy poking out a cozy space for myself before drifting off to sleep. Also, I think that a tightly made bed is downright uncomfortable: entering one makes me feel like a loaf of bread being wrapped and sealed. Finally, and most importantly, I think bed-making is an

awful way to waste time in the morning. I would rather spend those precious minutes checking my email or feeding the cat than tucking in corners or snapping the spread.

Transitional words and phrases guide readers from one sentence to the next. Although they most often appear at the beginning of a sentence, they may also show up after the subject. Here are the common transitional expressions, grouped according to the type of relationship shown by each.

1. Addition Transitions and also besides first, second, third in addition in the first place, in the second place, in the third place furthermore moreover to begin with, next, finally

Example In the first place, no "burning" in the sense of combustion, as in the burning of wood, occurs in a volcano; moreover, volcanoes are not necessarily mountains; furthermore, the activity takes place not

always at the summit but more commonly on the sides or flanks; and finally, the "smoke" is not smoke but condensed steam.

(Fred Bullard, Volcanoes in History)

2. Cause-Effect Transitions

accordingly and so as a result consequently for this reason hence so then therefore thus

Example The ideologue is often brilliant. Consequently some of us distrust brilliance when we should distrust the ideologue. (Clifton Fadiman)

3. Comparison Transitions

by the same token in like manner in the same way in similar fashion likewise similarly

Example

When you start with a portrait and search for a pure form, a clear volume, through successive eliminations, you arrive inevitably at the egg. Likewise, starting with the egg and following the same process in reverse, one finishes with the portrait.

(Pablo Picasso)

4. Contrast Transitions

but however in contrast instead nevertheless on the contrary on the other hand still yet

Example

Every American, to the last man, lays claim to a "sense" of humor and guards it as his most significant spiritual trait, yet rejects humor as a contaminating element wherever found. America is a nation of comics and comedians; nevertheless, humor has no stature and is accepted only after the death of the perpetrator.

(E. B. White)

5. Conclusion and Summary Transitions

and so after all at last finally in brief in closing in conclusion on the whole to conclude to summarize

Example

Reporters are not paid to operate in retrospect. Because when news begins to solidify into current events and finally harden into history, it is the stories we didn't write, the questions we didn't ask that prove far, far more damaging than the ones we did.

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download